[Publib] food at library programs

[James Casey]

We have food provided by our Friends of the Library for our Art Shows --- we have them for adults in a formal gallery and also for kids in art classes in the schools where we use a good portion of the first floor and could have several hundred kids, parents, grandparents, teachers, etc. in attendance.   Patron Appreciation Day on the first Sunday in September in which we are open to the public has cookies and punch as well as musical entertainment and programs.   How the food is purchased is less problematic than the cleanup and staff time needed for that purpose.   --- However, it is a nice feature for the public on special events.

Ordinarily, we don't allow eating of food in the library, but do have a Café in our Library that serves food and win which patrons can have a regular lunch or snack.   http://www.thebookendscafe.com/   Here are some photos of the Café  http://www.thebookendscafe.com/id29.html

Patrons can have covered drinks in the Library except in our Computer Center and around Computer equipment.  However, increasing numbers of folks bring lap top computers and use the café and or other locations to sit and drink a coffee (etc.) while using our WIFI.

The public enjoys being able to relax and enjoy using their public library.

James B. Casey - My own views
Director of the Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member





From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Paula Alston
Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 8:01 AM
To: 'Betsy O'Neil'; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] food at library programs

We provide coffee/tea for our book discussion groups; popcorn for the movie programs; and some sort of snack for YA programs.  I ask my libraries to plan their food needs way in advance of the program and we then put it on our annual list for what we ask our Friends groups to provide.  I don't like to use my O&M budget for program food.

Paula K. Alston, Director
Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library
Christiansburg, VA  24073
www.mfrl.org<http://www.mfrl.org>
________________________________
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Betsy O'Neil
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 5:52 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] food at library programs

Our library is looking at how and why we spend money on food for juvenile, teen and adult programs. We're hoping to discover the degree to which other public libraries incorporate food into their programs. Also, to what degree is the food paid for with private funding versus public funding? Also, what is your rationale for having or not having food at your public programs? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you!

Betsy O'Neil
Natrona County Public Library
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